US Trends

when does lent

Lent 2026 starts tomorrow. For Western Christians, it begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026 , and runs through April 2 (Holy Thursday), leading up to Easter on April 5.

Key Dates

Here's a quick timeline of Lent 2026 based on reliable sources:

Event| Date in 2026| Notes 1357
---|---|---
Ash Wednesday| February 18 (Wednesday)| Start of the 40-day period (Sundays not counted).
Palm Sunday| March 29| Commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Holy Thursday| April 2 (Thursday)| Marks the Last Supper; Lent often ends here.
Good Friday| April 3 (Friday)| Day of fasting and reflection on the Crucifixion.
Easter Sunday| April 5 (Sunday)| Celebration of the Resurrection; end of Lent season.

Orthodox Lent differs, starting February 23 and following a different calendar.

Why These Dates?

Lent mirrors Jesus' 40 days of fasting in the desert, always 46 calendar days before Easter (six weeks plus Ash Wednesday) to exclude Sundays. Easter's date shifts with the first full moon after the spring equinox, placing 2026's Lent early in the year—perfect for winter reflection as many churches note. This year's timing aligns with ongoing global discussions on faith practices amid modern life.

Traditions and Practices

Christians use Lent for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Common steps include:

  1. Choose sacrifices : Give up meat, social media, or sweets—many share stories of personal growth from these.
  1. Daily reflection : Apps and online groups help track progress, blending tradition with tech like reminders or virtual prayer.
  1. Community events : Churches host services; some explore digital fasting for deeper focus.

Pro Tip : With today being February 17, plan your Ash Wednesday attendance—services often include ash crosses symbolizing mortality and repentance.

Multiple Perspectives

  • Western vs. Eastern : Western churches (Catholic, Protestant) follow the Gregorian calendar; Eastern Orthodox use the Julian, starting later for a longer fast.
  • Cultural Twists : In places like the Philippines or Latin America, Lent features processions; U.S. observers often mix fasting with charity drives.
  • Modern Takes : Forums buzz about "tech detoxes" or eco-friendly Lents, reflecting 2026 trends toward mindful living.

Lent offers a reset, much like a desert journey turning scarcity into spiritual abundance—imagine emerging renewed by Easter. TL;DR : Lent 2026: Feb 18–April 2 (Western); prepare for fasting and reflection starting tomorrow.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.